Didn’t know about the Hudson River Maritime Museum boat building classes - the SOF double-paddle canoe built in July looks very interesting - maybe next summer - thanks for the link…
I have read Hilary Russell’s step by step book, several times, and am using it to prepare before building a canoe. It helped me identify tools and skills that I do not yet have (steam bending wood and shop layout/tools for example) and ways to practice, and attain experience needed before beginning.
Like another excellent step-by-step book (“Making Greenland Paddles, Step By Step”) often mentioned in these forums, Mr. Russell’s instructions are clear and simple. I believe anyone with basic skills can use it (step by step) to gain enough confidence needed to complete one of his first-build design recommendations.
A year and a half ago, my self confidence was lacking for projects like these.
Building self confidence, like building (the project) itself, is a step-by-step process, and it truly is, I believe, just as much a part of the fun. It’s very rewarding, especially while paddling with something homemade.
Lately, I’m planning a slightly different layout for my fifth Greenland paddle project - after much more time spent using them than the time needed to carve them. Paddling…being out on the water (new paddles or boats), helps identify what to ‘wish for’ while planning for the next one. Mr. Nystrom’s book for Greenland paddles, is always nearby while working on a new paddle, opened to the pages showing the steps needed to forge thoughtfully ahead.
Hilary Russell’s book, I believe, meets the same high standards found in Brian Nystrom’s book. It too will be close by, when able to get started, open to the pages depicting the next step(s) ahead.
Cheers
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You guys might end up convincing me to try this…
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I would defiantly do it if I could… There’s nothing like using a boat you built.
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